Software Workshop 1 | Part 1

Creating a positive for screenprint

• Chinagraph pencils on kodatrace (analogue process)
• B&W print out of artwork made on computer, on regular copy paper (digital)

Example 1

• Analogue illustration that has been scanned in. Using photoshop to add additional colour.

• If something already contains colour, go to Image > Mode > Grayscale to make it B&W

• Make sure size of the document is appropriate. Image > Image Size. Check resolution and dimensions.

• 'Resample' tick box, if ticked the resolution can be maintained if/when the dimensions are changed. So if 300dpi is needed, keep box ticked.

Adjustment Layers

• Image > Adjustments - for example, levels, curves, exposure..

• Something that sits in the layers palette, doesn't contain pixel info. Just an adjustment (e.g. brightness & contrast). 

• Bottom of layers palette, black and white circle icon. A list of adjustments will appear. Can be applied to single layer below it in the stack of layers. Doesn't affect whole image/all layers.


• Printing out each layer individually, still needs to be black and white for when print-outs are going to be exposed to UV.

• Edit > Fill > select 'Black' from drop down. This means foreground and background swatches can be maintained.

• Use movement lock to restrict movement of layer. Stops layers being misaligned for print.

Example 2

• Knocking out and over-printing. Setting blend mode to multiply, simulates the overlapping of ink colours. They are set to over-print. This blend mode simulates the transparent property of the printing ink.

• Acrylic ink and binding agent. Mixing the binder adds transparency to the ink. 

• Over-printing gives the opportunity to create a third colour.

• Cursor over magenta thumbnail, turns to pointing hand. Hold command, click thumbnail, everything on that layer will be selected.

Images above. Magenta is selected, click on yellow layer, press delete.

The magenta selection has been 'knocked out'

• 'Knocking out' separate colours on layers prevents over-printing (where the colours overlap to create a third colour..) However, this could mean registering the different screens becomes more important, so they aren't out of line.